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Our cotton
An exceptional cotton, rooted in history
In Benin, cotton is much more than just a crop: it’s an economic pillar, an agricultural heritage, and a social engine. Introduced in the 1960s, it became the top cash crop by the 1970s. Thanks to rigorous organization and ongoing investments, the country is now the leading cotton producer in Africa..
Key figures of Benin’s cotton sector
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ginning factories
650 à
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+
kilotonnes/year of seed cotton
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producers involved
0
%
of GDP
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%
of cotton ginned locally
Tradition and expertise
Benin boasts a rich tradition of cotton cultivation that spans several generations. Local producers combine ancestral methods with modern technology to ensure top-quality cotton production. This unique know-how is passed down through generations, ensuring consistency in quality and authenticity.
A structured and regulated industry
Key stakeholders in the sector include:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries: Oversees national cotton development policies and ensures implementation of standards and regulations.
- Interprofessional Cotton Association (AIC): Brings together all industry actors—from input suppliers to producers and ginners—working toward continuous improvement.
- Certification bodies: Implement traceability systems and uphold international standards for quality and sustainability.
Structured support services include:
- Cotton research and development of high-performing varieties and certified seeds adapted to Benin’s soil and climate.
- Ongoing technical guidance to farmers to ensure adherence to best practices.
- A defined technical roadmap for cotton cultivation, detailing sowing dates, pest treatments, and harvest timing.
- Awareness and training programs on best practices and contamination prevention.
- Strict procedures during transport and ginning to minimize contamination from foreign materials.
High-quality production
Benin's climatic and geological advantages, combined with local farming practices, grant its cotton superior quality, meeting the standards of the most demanding spinners:
- Over 70% of fibers are superior quality (Middling to Good Middling)
- 98% of fibers are long staple (≥ 1 1/8")
- Micronaire: 3.7 – 4.4
- Tenacity: 29 – 32 g/tex
Join the sustainable cotton revolution
Discover why Beninese cotton is the ideal choice for high-quality, sustainably produced textiles. Support local producers and contribute to a greener future. Together, we can make a difference!